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TCI Residents shaken, now SpaceX test flights are grounded pending outcomes of FAA investigation

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Deandrea Hamilton

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Turks and Caicos, January 19, 2025 – Clear, unobstructed views of the skies over the Turks and Caicos islands were an ideal canvas for a spectacular, albeit frightening show that materialised as a SpaceX starship engine disintegrated in real time, in mid-air on Thursday evening.

Even the moment of the explosion was caught on cell phone video by a guest staying at Norman’s Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands; NBC news has shared that the video was credited to Marshall Sisson in an Instagram post.

For at least a 30-minutes, flights were suspended from Miami to the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos with some flights stuck in holding patterns or diverted in order to dodge disaster and to allow the airspace debris to clear.

Now, the United States has decided to ground the giant starship rocket of SpaceX, according to a BBC report.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is now working with SpaceX and has opened an investigation.

“UK partners will also be liaising with the TCI Environmental Health Department, Maritime Department and Department of Environment and Coastal Resources to consider any potential environmental issues that may occur on land or in the marine environment, but during initial discussions between the UK Space Agency and SpaceX, it has been confirmed that no Hydrazine was on board the Starship rocket,” said the Turks and Caicos Islands government on Saturday.

It was thrilling, crazy, scary and shocking.  That is likely the reason, millions of people have viewed the scores of videos from varying vantage points which have been posted to social media by those rattled from their regular routine to witness the explosion.

“I heard a loud noise up here in Long Bay, but I’m afraid to look out,” said  one resident of eastern Providenciales.

Another asked, “What was that?  It shook my house. Crazy.”

We are now learning that the debris, which fell on some of the islands in the Turks and Caicos, cannot be ferreted away as a keepsake, because the property belongs to the owner of the rocket.  It is also dangerous.

“Friday, 17 January, TCIG Officials convened a meeting with relevant partners in the United Kingdom including the UK Space Agency, who are supporting the post-incident response, including technical expertise on the handling of debris, health and safety risks, protocols and procedures. The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch have been notified and discussions are ongoing with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) who will liaise with SpaceX.

This is now an active investigation led by the US FAA in liaison with UK and TCI counterparts,” informed a Turks and Caicos Government advisory.

For just about everyone reporting on what they heard, felt and saw it started with a loud boom that shaked buildings and rattled emotions as residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands witnessed the explosion and splintering of a part of a SpaceX Starship over the islands.

A day later, there were expressions of relief.

“We are not at this time aware of any specific risks related to the re-entry of space debris on Thursday 16 January. However, space objects can sometimes contain hazardous materials which can cause serious harm to health. Members of the public who come across objects that they think might be space debris should take the following actions:

  • Do not touch the object
  • Make a note of the location (Island and exact coordinates) of the object and the time  (including any maritime observations of debris)
  • If possible take a photograph of the object (without touching it) alongside another object for scale
  • Notify the authorities by sending the details to nationalsecurity@gov.tc with the subject title Space X Debris.
  • Space debris remains the property of the spacecraft owner”

It was not an earthquake or the apocalypse (as many reported feeling at the time) but an explosion of part of an unmanned spacecraft, the largest in the fleet of SpaceX founder, Elon Musk.  Musk is running a series of tests on the rockets for a program set to revolutionise the scope of travel, by taking passengers literally out of this world and into outer space.

The test flight was set for a duration of 66 minutes.  SpaceX, which launched from South Texas at 5:38pm experienced trouble after about 8 minutes in orbit.

From Forbes.com:  “Shortly after the catch there was an issue, though: A SpaceX commentator on the livestream said, “we do believe that we have lost the ship during its ascent phase… during that ascent phase a couple of the engines dropped out and then shortly thereafter we lost communication.”

Parts of the rocket were picked up in Providenciales, South Caicos and Grand Turk, according to residents who posted photos of the bits they had gathered.

“Elon Musk’s company has been told to carry out a mishap investigation by the FAA.  It needs the results of that probe before a determination comes on whether the progressive space plan resumes flights, said a BBC news report on Saturday afternoon.

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Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Bahamas News

Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

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Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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